Participants sought for ‘Preserving our Underwater Pastures’ study

FSU Panama City is seeking 16 students ages 15 and older and four educators to participate in “Preserving our Underwater Pastures: Researching the human impact on local historic artificial reef structures” from July 1, 2016, to July 1, 2017.

The program is funded through the National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) B-WET Grant, which promotes “meaningful watershed educational experiences” for K-12 students, according to NOAA’s Office of Education.

After earning their science diver certification this summer, participants will gather baseline data on reef heights, locations and fish populations at Black Bart, the old Hathaway bridge span and Stage II.

A three-week session of data collection and analysis will begin July 11, measuring reef degradation through height and circumference fluctuations, coral growth or decline, and changes in fish populations and variety.

During the 2016-2017 school year, students will meet one Saturday per month September through May to analyze data, discuss finding and determine the best solutions for any challenges the data identifies.  When weather permits, additional dives will be scheduled as necessary.

Exemplary participants will be invited back for further data collection and analysis in summer 2017 and during the 2017-2018 school year.

To apply for the program, email Michael Zinszer at mzinszer@fsu.edu by May 31. Applications can be found at /Academics/Advanced-Science-Diving-Program/NOAA-B-WET.

Applicants must be able to swim 400 yards with any swim stroke in less than 12 minutes, swim underwater on a single breath hold for 25 yards, tread water for 10 minutes and recover a 10-pound weight at 12 feet of water. Participants must be able to pass basic science diver swim test by July 11, 2016.

All fees, equipment and diver certifications will be paid for by Florida State University B-WET Program.